WVWC's Padrino pursues pro basketball dream with Venezuela's Gaiteros de Suira

BUCKHANNON — Anyone who visited the West Virginia Wesleyan University men's basketball team this year got to see the Bobcats' standout shooting guard, Dacre Padrino, wearing No. 12. Shortly after the 2023-2024 season ended in early March, Padrino signed with Gaiteros del Zulia, a professional basketball team in Marcaibo, Venezuela.

Not only did Dyker lead the Mountain East Conference in three-point shooting percentage last season, he was also one of the top players in the NCAA in three-point shooting percentage and success rate. Dyker finished the season averaging nearly 17 points per game and shooting nearly 90 percent from the free throw line. That impressive season led to an exciting two weeks after the season ended. Padrino said his agent called, he narrowed down his list of offers and accepted a contract in Venezuela, where he began his professional basketball career.

“I've sacrificed many years to get to this point,” the former Bobcat said, “and when I decided to transfer to West Virginia Wesleyan University, I just trusted God. He put me in this position and I owe it all to trusting Him. My teammates and coaches gave me the freedom to have a successful year and it paid off. Coming to West Virginia Wesleyan University and playing for Coach Sloan was a great decision. I am very grateful and will always hold Buckhannon close to my heart. I have made many friends in the community through my church and will always call Buckhannon my second home.”

Men's basketball head coach Derek Sloan had this to say about Dacre Padrino: “No one has prepared harder for this moment than Dacre. He was a true pro every day in practice and always made a lot of shots outside of practice as well. We are very proud of him and the future that lies ahead. We will always remember what a great person and player he was here in the Orange and Black.”

Padrino will take advantage of the opportunity in front of him, and his efforts on the court at Rockefeller Center have given him a chance to grow and find his place on the professional stage.